GLAAD - Legalhttp://www.glaad.org/tags/legal
enEXCLUSIVE: North Carolina couple finally gets to be full, legal familyhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/exclusive-north-carolina-couple-finally-gets-be-full-legal-family
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-0-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-10/NC%20COUPLE.jpg?itok=d0JAEDvm" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>North Carolina couple Tina Weaver and Briana Plautz-Weaver have been together for 9 years. They wanted to get married in North Carolina, but it wasn't legal, so they got married in New York last April, but were worried because Weaver could not legally adopt their two-year-old son, Kellyn Plautz-Weaver. <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/united-church-christ-wins-marriage-nc">On October 10<sup>th</sup>, the judge in North Carolina agreed that the ruling in favor of marrige equality in the 4<sup>th</sup> circuit appealed to North Carolina. </a>Same-sex couples immediately got issued marriage licenses and started getting married on October 13th. Weaver could finally be a legal adoptive parent. GLAAD asked them how this life-changing event felt.</p>
<p><strong>Q: How long have the two of you been together?</strong></p>
<p>Briana: We started dating in October of 2005.</p>
<p><strong>Q: Who proposed to who or did you have a formal proposal?</strong></p>
<p><em>(Both laugh)</em><br />Briana: Tina did propose to me in the fall of 2008. We went on a hot air balloon ride the morning of, and we had lunch at the Omni Grove Park Inn and then the site where we actually had our commitment ceremony in North Carolina is where she proposed to me that day. It was a beautiful day. It was probably one of the best days ever.</p>
<p><img height="499" width="750" class="media-element file-file-styles-750px" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-10/tina1_0.JPG?itok=7fS4Yfps" alt="" /></p>
<p><strong>Q: When did you decide that, if it were to become legal, you would want to get married?</strong></p>
<p>Tina: I think what really resonated with us was the birth of our son. Our son just turned two this past October and, before his birth, we did our will but none of that was binding. And in the state of North Carolina, two years ago, even if you have a will, it was not binding that he would be mine if anything were to happen to Briana. So we took the initial step by having our commitment ceremony in April 2009. We went up to the state of New York in April of 2014 and made our marriage federally legal and that kind of gave us a little more clout. At that time in April, 2014, we were saying, ‘Oh, North Carolina is so far away. They’re not even close to making something like this happen.’ And then like a month ago, all this stuff just started drumming up. It was like North Carolina, South Carolina, all these states are on the verge and we’re like, ‘Wow. This is a movement that we didn’t think we would see in our time of living in this state.’ And then, when it happened, it was kind of just like a revelation. </p>
<p>Briana: Then our first thought was now, Tina can legally adopt Kellyn, and those are the next steps we want to move forward with, which we’re so excited about.</p>
<p><strong>Q: Ok so let’s talk about October 10<sup>th</sup>. On October 10<sup>th</sup>, the judge in North Carolina agrees that the ruling in favor of the freedom to marry in the 4<sup>th</sup> circuit appeals to North Carolina. Same-sex couples immediately get issued marriage licenses. Where were both of you when you heard the news?</strong><br /><br />Briana: We were actually in Wisconsin, where I’m originally from, because, for our son’s second birthday, we decided we were going to celebrate with my family in Wisconsin. He turned two-years-old that Saturday. So we had flown out that Thursday to Wisconsin. We found out via friends texting and Facebook. </p>
<p><strong>Q: Were you able to go back to North Carolina on October 13<sup>th</sup> when same-sex couples started getting married?</strong></p>
<p>Briana: It was very highly publicized around here. And I think one of the things that’s really resonating with us is, when this became legal and everything in Asheville just started happening, they put our LGBT flag on City Hall, right outside, this massive flag, just hanging from there, it was just an amazing moment of like, ‘Ok well this is the same level of inclusivity that we wanted all of our lives in North Carolina.’ So with friends, we could all speak to the level and magnitude and just understanding we’re inclusive, we’re inclusive. But, the repercussion of putting that flag up there was so hateful. It was so liberatingly great for us, but at the same time, the backlash of it was just very hateful and very unfortunate on such a special day.<br /><br /><strong>Q: Where were you noticing negative reactions? Through emails? On the street?</strong><br /><br />Briana: People on the streets and also the communication that went to City Hall, the threats that went to our City Hall saying, you know, ‘you don’t even hang the North Carolina flag on there and the confederate flag, how is this inclusivity when you’re showing more favoritism to a certain group when everybody is a North Carolinian.’ It really demeaned the day, and it put a damper on it. But, again, for those in the LGBT community, the liberation and inclusivity of that moment was something you won’t forget.<br /><br /><strong>Q: Now that same-sex marriage is legal in North Carolina, you’re legally allowed to adopt your son. How does that make you feel and what are the next steps?</strong><br /><br />Briana: I don’t know if there’s words that can really express how excited we are to be able to do this. Since it happened, we haven’t been able to get all the right steps as far as what we need to do, but I can’t really describe it in words because, for one, it was one of those things where we didn’t know when or if it was really going to happen. But now that it’s happened, it’s almost unbelievable.<br /><br />Tina: And speaking to that, Bri is his blood mother, so for me, having the opportunity to adopt him, in my own emotional expression, it’s an unbelievable thing that, again, we did this in New York, we’ve created this will, but now I know he is mine and it was always going to be that level of, he may not be my blood, but he is my soul. So, it’s a very important level of rights that I want to obtain, and I want him to know and feel comfortable in any environment that he’s in knowing that he has me as his mother in every which way possible.<br /><br /><img height="499" width="750" class="media-element file-file-styles-750px" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-10/DSC_0742_0.JPG?itok=q7Hw9_Kt" alt="" /></p>
<p><strong>Q: What is it like to be two moms in North Carolina?</strong><br /><br />Tina: It depends on where in North Carolina you are. If you step right outside of the city limits of Asheville, it’s a different story. Asheville is very supportive of the LGBT community, but if you step outside the city limits, it’s a different scenario, different impression you get. So it can be a very difficult pressure of living outside the city limits. At the same time, we’re two extremely hard-working women, so for us right now, being two moms, we do everything under the sun just to make sure that we can provide for him just like any other family. But, the recognition of it isn’t quite there yet because we have to go through all the legal steps, but once it is, I mean that’s, that just keeps us in the same realm as the rest of this world.<br /><br /><strong>Q: Can you walk down the street in downtown Asheville holding hands?</strong><br /><br />Briana: Yes. Absolutely. Absolutely. Downtown Asheville, yes definitely, you can feel comfortable with it, and with Tina and I, for as long as we’ve been together, we’re also very comfortable with who we are, so, to be honest with you, even if somebody was staring at us, I don’t know if I would notice it. And that’s because, we’re just us. We’re a family. We don’t look at ourselves any differently, so if somebody were to be staring, I don’t know because I don’t pay attention to that. That’s not important to me.<br /><br /><strong>Q: What are the responses that you’re getting now that your family and your friends know that you can legally adopt?</strong><br /><br />Tina: It’s been alarmingly positive. Like, astronomically positive to the point where, I didn’t think we’d get the responses that we got. I knew family and close friends, but there’s been people that I probably haven’t even talked to in several plus years, and just hearing their feedback, whether seeing it on social media or even just passing them on the street or something like that, to know our family and how at one we are as one unit, when people see that, and having a legal document that says I am his legal guardian, people are alarmingly supportive and it’s so comforting and so great and reassuring to have.<br /><br /><strong>Q: When you finally have legally adopted your son, do you think you will feel different?</strong><br /><br />Tina: I honestly don’t think I will feel different. He’s our son. She’s my wife. We are a family. We’re just like any other family around. I think the one emotional item that may be different is just the level of comfort, again, just speaking to it, if anything was to happen to Bri, he’s in my hands and he’s where his family needs to be. So a little more level of comfort and security in that capacity.<br /><br />Briana: I would have to agree with that.<br /><br />Tina: Yeah because when we filled out our will, two years ago, it was like, ‘ok, if anything was to happen to Bri, this is only going to hold up so much in court. You know? It’s not like it’s going to just make sure that Kellyn stays with you, Tina.<br /><br />Briana: And when you find that out, it’s disheartening because it ‘s like, what do you mean? We’re here signing paperwork. If anything were to happen to me, Tina should have Kellyn. So it was just not reassuring that it might not hold up. But now, if anything were to happen, Tina would get all rights to Kellyn.<br /><br /><strong>Q: Any last thoughts?</strong><br /><br />Briana: We’re super excited about this! Honestly, we never thought it would happen, so we’re shocked that this has happened as quickly as it has. It’s just one of those states, North Carolina, where you just didn’t think you were going to see it happen.<br /><br />Tina: Yeah because I mean we’ve been living here in the state of North Carolina for about four years now and we’re like, ok, we’re happy in Asheville, so where else could we go where we could get the same rights as the neighbor next door? So, we’d look at those other states, and then within that time, we’re like, did this really just happen? Now we have those same rights. Now we can move forward. It gives you more of an incentive, more of a want to actually stay in the state a bit longer.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">October 29, 2014</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/southern-stories">Southern Stories</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/tina-weaver">Tina Weaver</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/north-carolina">North Carolina</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/asheville">Asheville</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/claire-pires">Claire Pires</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/lgbt-0">#lgbt</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/family">family</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/legally-adopt">legally adopt</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/legal">Legal</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/briana-plautz-weaver">Briana Plautz-Weaver</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/kellyn-plautz-weaver">Kellyn Plautz-Weaver</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/southern-stories">Southern Stories</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Wed, 29 Oct 2014 17:24:17 +0000cpires72740 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/exclusive-north-carolina-couple-finally-gets-be-full-legal-family#commentsWhat you need to know about the state of marriage equalityhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/what-you-need-know-about-state-marriage-equality
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-1-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="1" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-06/Marriage%20dominoes.jpg?itok=5JS1avZI" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Marriage has always been a rather simple concept: When <strong>a man and a woman</strong> love each other so much, they get married. But, just as society has progressed socially, our concept of marriage has expanded: When <strong>two people</strong> love each other so much, they get married.</p>
<p><img height="266" width="400" style="float: left; width: 400px; height: 266px;" class="media-element file-file-styles-large" src="http://www.glaad.net/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/EdithWindsor_0.jpg?itok=801UPKnk" alt="" /></p>
<p>To some same-sex couples, marriage equality fundamentally symbolizes the freedom to love someone regardless of gender/sexual orientation. On the other hand, many couples do not perceive marriage through a social lens—they do not need society to validate their love—but rather a legal one. Attaining legal protection and marital-based government benefits through a marriage is often a means of achieving economic stability. For example, <a href="http://poy.time.com/2013/12/11/runner-up-edith-windsor-the-unlikely-activist/">Edith Windsor</a> did not need marriage equality as a means of explanation that she and her wife loved each other, she needed it because the government would have taxed her to the grave.</p>
<p>Regardless, the freedom to love and legal protection are afforded (and have been for centuries) to heterosexual couples through the ritual of marriage. Despite this longstanding and heterocentric tradition, however, <a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/162398/sex-marriage-support-solidifies-above.aspx">most of America feels that same-sex couples deserve the same</a>.</p>
<p>Within the last year, 9 states legalized same-sex marriage effectively doubling the number of states with marriage equality (19 total). Most recently in fact, <a href="http://www.buzzfeed.com/chrisgeidner/oregon-marriage-ban-ruling">Oregon</a> and <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/pennsylvania-judge-strikes-down-ban-marriage-equality">Pennsylvania</a> declared their marriage equality rulings just one day apart from each other.</p>
<p>In addition, 7 states have stays on marriage equality—this means that a court has ruled the state's prohibition on performing same-sex marriage unconstitutional while staying enforcement of its ruling, pending an appeal of the decision.</p>
<p><img alt="Marriage Map" title="Marriage Map" height="278" width="750" class="media-element file-file-styles-750px" src="http://www.glaad.net/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-05/MarriageMap_v4_1069.png?itok=sl5FjC85" /></p>
<p>To legalize marriage for same-sex couples, pro-equality activists have quite the variety of paths from which to choose.</p>
<p>First, legislation. As a popular method, legislation has been the medium through which marriage equality succeeded in 8 states. Despite that bills in support of LGBT-equality require a majority vote in both the state's Assembly and Senate, many have succeeded in passing the legislative test.</p>
<p>Because of lacking support, bills failed in multiple states including Wyoming, New York, New Jersey, and Illinois (note: NY, NJ and IL now have marriage equality), but the only other marriage equality bills that failed were due to a governor's veto against the equality measure organized and passed by the state's legislature. This occurred in Vermont when Gov. Jim Douglass vetoed in 2009 (only to be overridden by Vermont's legislature later that year) and in New Jersey when Gov. Chris Christie vetoed in 2012.</p>
<p>Almost obviously, current political perspectives of marriage equality have significantly departed from past perspectives. <a href="http://www.edgeboston.com/news/features/89829/has_being_anti-gay_become_uncool:_dr_laura,_rick_warren_&amp;_many_others_now_think_so">The reality is that being anti-LGBT in almost any capacity is an act of social perversity </a>—especially for most elected officials.</p>
<p><img height="155" width="414" style="float: right;" class="media-element file-file-styles-large" src="http://www.glaad.net/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/images/2014-06/marriage%20equality%20at%20the%20supreme%20court.png?itok=JRs-MslI" alt="" /></p>
<p>To continue, marriage equality can be won through judiciary action. In fact, 8 states now have marriage equality and 7 states' same-sex marriage status are stayed because of judicial rulings/decisions. In 2013, the Supreme Court heard <em>Hollingsworth v. Perry</em> which challenged the validity of Proposition 8 against the U.S. Constitution in addition to hearing <em>Windsor v. United States</em> which debated the constitutionality of the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). <a href="http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2013/06/26/doma-prop-8-decisions-explained-what-it-all-means.html">Ultimately, Prop 8 was ruled unconstitutional through a federal court's decision and DOMA was ruled unconstitutional by a 5-4 vote from the Supreme Court.</a></p>
<p>Because of these national rulings, judges across the country have used the precedent set by SCOTUS to declare states' bans against same-sex marriage as unconstitutional. In a fantastic turn of events for LGBT devotees, organizations like the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/05/19/national-organization-for-marriage_n_5354135.html">National Organization for Marriage (NOM) have significantly lost support</a> and, <a href="http://www.takepart.com/article/2013/03/26/republican-evolution-how-gay-marriage-could-help-gop-win-again">like anti-LGBT politicians</a>, represent 'the problem' with America's social climate according to popular opinion.</p>
<p><img height="296" width="450" style="float: left;" class="media-element file-file-styles-large" src="http://www.glaad.net/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/MarriageEqualityFlag.jpg?itok=bj5aiPTx" alt="" />Additionally, a third outlet that can lead to marriage equality is a <a href="http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/referendum">public referendum.</a> Sometimes, the majority of the state's population supports marriage equality, while a majority of state legislators do not. In this instance, a referendum might be an effective way to pass something like marriage equality.</p>
<p>This method has been effective at passing marriage equality in Maine, Maryland and Washington, as well as in Washington D.C., but many civil rights advocates repudiate LGBT-related referenda; despite the fact that there might be voter support for marriage equality, many feel that civil rights should be kept off the ballot.</p>
<p>There is an American ideal that <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/fred-silberberg/marriage-rights-should-no_b_319165.html">the government serves to protect the minority from the tyranny of the majority</a>. By allowing the majority to determine minorities' rights, the arc of social justice becomes the majority's plaything, rendering equality inaccessible to minority groups.</p>
<h2><strong>So, where is the future of marriage equality headed?</strong></h2>
<p><img height="369" width="750" class="media-element file-file-styles-750px" src="http://www.glaad.net/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/images/2014-06/World%20Marriage%20map.png?itok=AActWDsW" alt="" /></p>
<p>Well, there are three possibilities. The first is that equality will reach each state individually. As it was discussed, this could be through state-based legislation, referenda, or judiciary action. The second possibility is that the right lawsuit makes its way to the Supreme Court and the Court rules that it is unconstitutional to deny an LGBT person the right to marriage. This option would be the quickest and most effective way to marriage equality as every state would be obligated to follow SCOTUS's decision.</p>
<p>The third possibility is that marriage equality never comes to all 50 states. It's interesting to think about, really. Considering the pace at which states have begun to fall on the right side of history, the likelihood of more states following suit in the near future seems inevitable. But, is it really only a matter of time until each and every state extends rights and marital benefits to gay couples?</p>
<p>Because so many organizations, corporations, individuals, and <a href="http://www.freedomtomarry.org/landscape/entry/c/international">many of the world's developed nations</a> are in support of marriage equality it seems rather improbable that the states within the U.S. could continue to resist this social progressivism.</p>
<p>Indisputably, change is a constant force that ceaselessly shapes us as a society. Change makes the tides rise and the leaves turn color; Change brings life into the world and it takes life away. It freed the slaves in our country and gave women the right to vote. And, pretty soon, change will bring marriage equality to all couples.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">June 4, 2014</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/family">Family</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
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<div class="field field-name-field-tags field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/marriage-equality">Marriage Equality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/national">National</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/international">international</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/state">state</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/supreme-court">Supreme Court</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/legislation">legislation</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/referendum">Referendum</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/appeal">appeal</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/stay">Stay</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/equality">equality</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/legal">Legal</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/rights">rights</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/freedom">freedom</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/marry">marry</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/prop-8">Prop 8</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/doma">DOMA</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/edith-windsor">Edith Windsor</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/oregon">Oregon</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/pennsylvania">Pennsylvania</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/vermont">Vermont</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/new-jersey">New Jersey</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/chris-christie">Chris Christie</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/glaad">GLAAD</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/change">change</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Mon, 02 Jun 2014 21:18:53 +0000jrudolph71187 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/what-you-need-know-about-state-marriage-equality#commentsAri Ezra Waldmanhttp://www.glaad.org/profile/ari-ezra-waldman
<div class="field field-name-field-spokesperson-image field-type-media field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-2-0" class="styles file-styles medium"> <img id="2" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/medium/public/Ari%20Ezra%20Waldman.jpg?itok=bB0L3zBt" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-spokesperson-city field-type-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">New York</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-spokesperson-state field-type-list-text field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even">New York</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Ari Ezra Waldman is a law professor at New York Law School. He is also the Legal Editor for <a href="http://www.towleroad.com/">Towleroad</a>, the widely read and award winning LGBT-oriented news and politics website. During his years in legal practice, Ari represented LGBT victims of discrimination, and now as a professor, he works closely with the community’s legal advocacy organizations in the fight for gay rights. He is on the Board of Trustees of the <a href="http://www.tylerclementi.org/">Tyler Clementi Foundation</a>, a non-profit organization working to end bullying and harassment of gay youth. He is a graduate of Harvard College and Harvard Law School and is completing his Ph.D. at Columbia University in New York.</p>
<h2>Media Appearances</h2>
<p>Waywire: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lGq-HB6HDaA">GOP Needs Gay Vote Or Else</a> (video)</p>
<p>Equality Radio: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySwDAo2uIwc">NSA privacy issues and gay rights</a></p>
</div></div></div>Sun, 16 Mar 2014 19:33:21 +0000rossmurray70199 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/profile/ari-ezra-waldman#commentsJudge allows New Mexico counties to issue marriages to all coupleshttp://www.glaad.org/blog/judge-allows-new-mexico-counties-issue-marriages-all-couples
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-3-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="3" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/036.jpg?itok=MiDCXuyw" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Bernalillo county now joins's Doña Ana and Santa Fe counties in issuing same-sex marriage licenses <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/nm-county-has-licenses-for-same-sex-marriages-printed-in-case-theres-a-court-order/2013/08/26/9bff9ace-0e67-11e3-a2b3-5e107edf9897_story.html">thanks to a ruling by New Mexico Judge, Alan Malott.</a> Mallott struck down a challenge to the marriage's grants in Santa Fe country and in doing so has opened up the possibility for other counties to allow the marriages to move forward.</p>
<p>New Mexico's laws do not ban same-sex marriages, despite claims from anti-gay activists that it does. Judge Malott's view was that "gay and lesbian citizens of New Mexico have endured a long history of discrimination. Denial of the right to marry continues this unfortunate and intolerable pattern."</p>
<p>The ruling was put into place immediately, as the judge reasoned, "There is no benefit to the parties or the public interest in having this matter progress through a lengthy path of litigation while basic constitutional rights are being compromised or denied on a daily basis."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/nm-county-has-licenses-for-same-sex-marriages-printed-in-case-theres-a-court-order/2013/08/26/9bff9ace-0e67-11e3-a2b3-5e107edf9897_story.html">Over 100 gay and lesbian couples</a> have already been issued marriage licenses, with more requesting them every day.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">August 27, 2013</span></div></div></div>
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<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/local-and-regional-news">Local and Regional News</a></li>
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<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/marriage">Marriage</a>, </li>
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<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/marriage-equality">Marriage Equality</a>, </li>
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Tue, 27 Aug 2013 15:33:36 +0000ryanhoulihan67803 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/judge-allows-new-mexico-counties-issue-marriages-all-couples#commentsAvvo.com to host live Facebook Q&A about immigration issues for same-sex couples post-DOMAhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/avvocom-host-live-facebook-qa-about-immigration-issues-same-sex-couples-post-doma
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-4-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="4" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/1014220_10151625257382709_690008834_n.png?itok=U9KoOHza" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>This Thursday, Seattle-based legal advice site <a href="http://avvo.com/">Avvo.com</a> will be <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/678722575489275/">hosting a live Facebook Q&amp;A event</a> on immigration benefits for same-sex couples after the latest DOMA ruling.<br /><br /> The impact of the Supreme Court's recent DOMA ruling on immigration law is monumental for same-sex couples. For example: now foreign-born nationals in same-sex marriages have the right to obtain a green card, as do their foreign-born children. <br /><br /> During the one hour event Elizabeth Blandon, a legal immigration expert of <a href="http://broward-immigration-lawyers.com/">Blandon Law</a>, will be answering questions regarding same-sex immigration issues. Topics include:</p>
<ul><li>Green card applications and renewal</li>
<li>Asylum</li>
<li>Qualifying relatives</li>
<li>Deportation</li>
</ul><p><a href="http://www.facebook.com/events/678722575489275/">RSVP on Facebook and post your questions on their page</a> to get answers next Thursday, August 29th at 1PM PT/4PM ET.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">August 26, 2013</span></div></div></div>
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<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/local-and-regional-news">Local and Regional News</a>, </li>
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<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/doma">DOMA</a>, </li>
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Mon, 26 Aug 2013 20:35:07 +0000ryanhoulihan67792 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/avvocom-host-live-facebook-qa-about-immigration-issues-same-sex-couples-post-doma#commentsSnapshots of our work: Anti-LGBT violence, Uganda vs. Scott Lively, and CAP's newest member Randy Thomassonhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/snapshots-our-work-anti-lgbt-violence-uganda-vs-scott-lively-and-caps-newest-member-randy
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-5-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="5" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/snapshots%2520featured_5_12.png?itok=cQmBHqZK" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Wonder what we’re up to at GLAAD?</p>
<p>Be sure to check out GLAAD's Blog each week for updates about our latest work to build support for LGBT equality through news, entertainment and online media.</p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="239" id="2" style="height: 239px; width: 425px; margin: 5px;;;;;;;;" width="425" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/anti-hate-crime-rally-nyc_1.jpg?itok=QOGDtnFq" alt="" /></p>
<p>Following the <a href="http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2013/08/14/nypd-two-gay-men-attacked-outside-theater-in-chelsea/">latest anti-LGBT attack in New York City</a>, GLAAD worked with the Anti-Violence Project, and Council Speaker Christine Quinn's office to bring media attention to the plague of anti-LGBT violence. GLAAD has been working throughout 2013 with the <a href="http://www.avp.org/">Anti-Violence Project</a> to bring attention to these attacks. <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/two-gay-men-beaten-chelsea-neighborhood-nyc-christine-quinn-and-community-appalled-attacks">Read more.</a></p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="239" id="2" style="height: 239px; width: 425px; margin: 5px;;;;;;;;" width="425" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/Untitled-1129.jpg?itok=e6Gu99Hp" alt="" /></p>
<p>After a CNN interview in which California-based anti-LGBT activist, Randy Thomasson attacked transgender students, called them "sexually confused" and referred to a transgender man as his "bearded opponent." Before this interview, Thomasson was a low-level activist, whose extreme language didn't get picked up by national outlets, but now GLAAD has added him to the <a href="http://www.glaad.org/cap">Commentator Accountability Project</a>. GLAAD's Commentator Accountability Project (CAP) aims to put critical information about frequent anti-gay interviewees into the hands of newsrooms, editors, hosts, reporters, and audiences to help them get a better idea of the misinformation spread by anti-gay activists. Now that California passed the transgender student protection bill, his profile is being raised and his words need to be put into context. <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/randy-thomassons-horrific-anti-transgender-cnn-interivew-and-follow-proves-he-cap-worthy">Read more.</a></p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="283" id="2" style="height: 283px; width: 425px; margin: 5px;;;;;;;;" width="425" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/scott-lively_0_0.jpg?itok=ZsGNNjmC" alt="" /></p>
<p>A US district judge has allowed the historic case of Sexual Minorities Uganda vs. Scott Lively to proceed. GLAAD has been working with the Center for Constitutional Rights to bring media attention to the case. Scott Lively is accused of stirring up anti-LGBT sentiment in Uganda (and around the world) to the point of putting LGBT people's lives in critical danger. <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/court-allows-uganda-case-against-scott-lively-proceed">Read more.</a></p>
<p><img class="media-image" height="361" id="2" style="height: 361px; width: 415px; margin: 5px;;;;;;;" width="415" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/f98afbe4666911e2ad6322000a9f14f2_6_0.jpg?itok=__vczfC3" alt="" /></p>
<p>GLAAD spoke with Kelly Brady, one of the five stars of the <a href="http://www.stylenetwork.com/tv-shows/city-girl-diaries/">Style Network's City Girl Diaries</a>, about being raised by two moms and a stepmom in California. Kelly told GLAAD that she "woud not change a single thing about my childhood." She shared her journey as a child of an LGBT family and expressed support for other children of LGBT families. She says that "children of gay families are special." <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/kelly-brady-star-style-network-show-who-was-raised-two-moms-i-would-not-change-single-thing">Read more.</a></p>
<p>To get the latest updates and take part in GLAAD’s work to build support for LGBT equality, be sure to <a href="http://www.facebook.com/glaad">‘like’ us on Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.twitter.com/glaad">follow us on Twitter</a>!</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">August 19, 2013</span></div></div></div><!--
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<div class="field-label">Tags:&nbsp;</div>
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<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/snapshots">Snapshots</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/anti-lgbt-attacks">anti-LGBT attacks</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/christine-quinn">Christine Quinn</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/new-york-city">New York City</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/violence">violence</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/hate-crime">Hate Crime</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/randy-thomasson">Randy Thomasson</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/glaadcap-0">#glaadcap</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/cnn">CNN</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/save-california">Save California</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/uganda">Uganda</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/scott-lively">Scott Lively</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/sexual-minorities-uganda-smug">Sexual Minorities of Uganda (SMUG)</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/center-constitutional-rights">Center for Constitutional Rights</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/legal">Legal</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/russia">Russia</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
Mon, 19 Aug 2013 17:46:03 +0000ryanhoulihan67640 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/snapshots-our-work-anti-lgbt-violence-uganda-vs-scott-lively-and-caps-newest-member-randy#commentsCourt allows Uganda case against Scott Lively to proceedhttp://www.glaad.org/blog/court-allows-uganda-case-against-scott-lively-proceed
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-6-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="6" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/scott-lively_0.jpg?itok=VEUQZRtb" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>A U.S. district Judge Michael Ponsor ruled that a lawsuit by Sexual Minorities of Uganda (SMUG) agaist anti-gay activist Scott Lively could proceed.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/court-lgbt-people-uganda-vs-scott-lively">Lively is being sued by the Center for Consitutional Rights and SMUG</a>, who allege that Lively has been actively conspiring with Ugandan government officials and religious leaders to deny basic human rights to LGBTI people around the world.</p>
<p>"Widespread, systematic persecution of LGBTI people constitutes a crime against humanity that unquestionably violates international norms," said Judge Michael Ponsor. "The history and current existence of discrimination against LGBTI people is precisely what qualifies them as a distinct targeted group eligible for protection under international law. The fact that a group continues to be vulnerable to widespread, systematic persecution in some parts of the world simply cannot shield one who commits a crime against humanity from liability."</p>
<p>The most notable piece of Lively's work included the introduction of the notorious "<a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/lgbt-ugandans-still-concerned-about-kill-gays-bill-and-worsening-conditions">Kill the Gays</a>" bill which he helped to create. Lively has also been active in in 50 cities in Russia where his anti-LGBT activism has resulted in harmful laws against LGBT people.</p>
<p>"Today’s ruling is a significant victory for human rights everywhere but most especially for LGBTI Ugandans who are seeking accountability from those orchestrating our persecution," said Frank Mugisha, the director of SMUG.</p>
<p>Said CCR Attorney Pam Spees, "We are gratified that the court recognized the persecution and the gravity of the danger faced by our clients as a result of Scott Lively’s actions. Lively’s single-minded campaign has worked to criminalize their very existence, strip away their fundamental rights and threaten their physical safety."</p>
<p>This is only the beginning of a long legal process, however. The judge will still need to determine if the case against Lively has merit, but this is an important next step.</p>
<p>The case, Sexual Minorities Uganda v. Lively, was originally filed in federal court in Springfield, MA, in March 2012. </p>
<p>For today's ruling please visit: <a href="http://ccrjustice.org/files/SMUG_OrderDenyingDefMTD_08_13.pdf">http://ccrjustice.org/files/SMUG_OrderDenyingDefMTD_08_13.pdf</a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">August 16, 2013</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a></li>
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<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/uganda">Uganda</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/scott-lively">Scott Lively</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/sexual-minorities-uganda-smug">Sexual Minorities of Uganda (SMUG)</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/center-constitutional-rights">Center for Constitutional Rights</a>, </li>
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Fri, 16 Aug 2013 18:30:58 +0000ryanhoulihan67600 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/court-allows-uganda-case-against-scott-lively-proceed#commentsGLAAD, LGBT advocacy groups stand with civil rights orgs in disappointment at Supreme Court ruling on voting rightshttp://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-lgbt-advocacy-groups-stand-civil-rights-orgs-disappointment-supreme-court-ruling-voting
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span id="styles-7-0" class="styles file-styles 750px"> <img id="7" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/750px/public/supreme-court-building-shutterstock_103670531.jpg?itok=Il7ms6oH" alt="" title="" /></span></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p>Today, the Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/26/us/supreme-court-ruling.html?_r=0">ruled against a central piece of the Voting Rights Act</a>. This removes major protections on voting rights passed by Congress in 1965 and reduces the federal government's ability to oversee voting discrimination in areas with a legal history of discriminatory voting standards against minorities, most specifically African-Americans.</p>
<p>GLAAD joins several other LGBT advocacy organizations expressing concern over today's ruling. The act had been renewed four times previously and had been repeatedly reaffirmed by Congress. The NAACP, the American Bar Association, the Navajo Nation, the states of New York, California, Mississippi and North Carolina, numerous former Justice Department officials charged with protecting voting rights, dozens of U.S. senators and representatives, and many others flooded the court with requests to continue these protections for people of color and those identified in minority language groups.</p>
<p>These protections are deeply necessary, even with the gains made in equality since 1965. <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/judith-browne-dianis/top-10-voter-suppression_b_2348574.html">As recently as this past year</a> there have been accusations that politicians are attempting to control the outcome of elections were using divisive voter suppression laws to reduce the voting power of people of color. The <a href="http://www.votingwhiletrans.org/">transgender community</a> has faced <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/voter-intimidation-know-your-rights-tell-your-story">challenges at the ballot box</a> and <a href="http://www.glaad.org/blog/anti-lgbt-group-truth-vote-targets-transgender-voters">voter intimidation</a> as well.</p>
<p>"We're deeply troubled by the Supreme Court's decision to dismantle one of our nation's most significant Civil Rights advancements, the Voting Rights Act," said GLAAD spokesperson Wilson Cruz. "Discrimination, in any of its forms, is simply not an American value. Today, we stand by Civil Rights organizations and fair-minded Americans everywhere, who believe everyone -- regardless of race, creed, sexual orientation or gender identity -- should have equal access to the ballot box."</p>
<p><a href="http://www.glaad.org/releases/lgbt-advocacy-groups-stand-civil-rights-counterparts-disappointment-supreme-court-ruling">GLAAD today signed a joint statement in solidarity with the nation's leading LGBT advocacy organizations</a>. It is presented below.</p>
<blockquote><p class="node-title"><strong>LGBT advocacy groups stand with civil rights counterparts in disappointment at Supreme Court ruling on voting rights</strong></p>
<p>WASHINGTON, June 25 - Today, the Supreme Court struck down a central part of the Voting Rights Act, invalidating crucial protections passed by Congress in 1965 and renewed four times in the decades since. The sharply divided decision will significantly reduce the federal government’s role in overseeing voting laws in areas with a history of discrimination against African-Americans.<br /><br />We, America’s leading LGBT advocacy organizations, join civil rights organizations – and indeed, all Americans whom this law has served to protect – in expressing acute dismay at today’s ruling. Not only had Congress repeatedly reaffirmed the need for this bedrock civil rights protection, but authoritative voices from across America had filed amicus briefs urging the court not to undermine the law: the NAACP; the American Bar Association; the Navajo Nation; the states of New York, California, Mississippi and North Carolina; numerous former Justice Department officials charged with protecting voting rights; dozens of U.S. senators and representatives; and many others.<br /><br />These varied and powerful voices attest to the self-evident reality that racial protections are still needed in voting in this country. As recently as last year’s elections, political partisans resorted to voter suppression laws and tactics aimed at reducing the votes of people of color.<br /><br />Voting rights protections, which have long served our nation’s commitment to equality and justice, should not be cast aside now. The court has done America a grave disservice, and we will work with our coalition partners to undo the damage inflicted by this retrogressive ruling.<br /><br />All Out<br />Believe Out Loud<br />Center for Black Equity<br />CenterLink: The Community of LGBT Centers<br />The Consortium of Higher Education LGBT Resource Professionals<br />Courage Campaign<br />Equality Federation<br />Family Equality Council<br />Freedom to Marry<br />Freedom to Work<br />Gay &amp; Lesbian Advocates &amp; Defenders<br />Gay Men’s Health Crisis (GMHC)<br />Gay, Lesbian &amp; Straight Education Network (GLSEN)<br />Gay Straight Alliance Network<br />Get Equal<br />GLAAD<br />Harvey Milk Foundation<br />Human Rights Campaign<br />Immigration Equality Action Fund<br />Lambda Legal<br />Movement Advancement Project<br />National Black Justice Coalition<br />National Center for Lesbian Rights<br />National Center for Transgender Equality<br />National Gay &amp; Lesbian Chamber of Commerce<br />National Gay and Lesbian Task Force<br />National Minority AIDS Council (NMAC)<br />The National Queer Asian Pacific Islander Alliance<br />Out &amp; Equal Workplace Advocates<br />PFLAG - Parents, Families, &amp; Friends of Lesbians and Gays<br />Pride at Work, AFL-CIO<br />The Trevor Project<br />Trans Advocacy Network<br />Transgender Law Center<br />Trans People of Color Coalition (TPOCC)<br />Unid@s<br /> </p></blockquote>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">June 25, 2013</span></div></div></div>
<div class="field field-name-field-issues field-type-taxonomy-term-reference field-label-inline clearfix clearfix">
<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
<ul class="field-items">
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/news">News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/people-color">People of Color</a></li>
</ul>
</div>
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Tue, 25 Jun 2013 16:15:32 +0000ryanhoulihan66694 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/glaad-lgbt-advocacy-groups-stand-civil-rights-orgs-disappointment-supreme-court-ruling-voting#commentsPetition CeCe McDonald's Arresthttp://www.glaad.org/blog/petition-cece-mcdonalds-arrest
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><img class="media-image" id="2" style="float: right; width: 274px; height: 367px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px;" src="http://www.glaad.org/sites/default/files/styles/large/public/cece4-lo.jpg?itok=KjHVu6ZL" alt="" /></p>
<p>Momentum is building as the <a href="http://supportcece.wordpress.com/">hearing and trial</a> for CeCe McDonald approaches in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The community is encouraged to attend the hearing scheduled for April 24. CeCe was the victim of a violent transphobic and racist assault during the summer of 2011. Since, she has been incarcerated and the only person in the altercation to face legal action, even though her aggressor lacerated her cheek with a drinking glass during the heated exchange. CeCe face charges of “second degree murder” for an act of self-defense where she was injured and her life threatened. Hennepin County Attorney General, Michael Freeman has the authority to review CeCe’s case and drop the charges on the rationale of self-defense, but has yet to do so.</p>
<p>Too often, the trans community is subjected to violence, which at times has ended fatally. Laverne Cox, transgender reality television star and advocate wrote in the <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/laverne-cox/jenna-talackova-can-compe_b_1413062.html">Huffington Post</a>:</p>
<p>“This case highlights how even when trans people, particularly trans people of color, are lucky enough to survive the brutal violence that is a part of so many of our lives, we are all too often victimized all over again by the criminal justice system.”</p>
<p>Cox makes a striking commentary here that suggests the imminent and cyclical dangers enmeshed in the lives of transgender persons of color. Hate crimes and death affect people of color at alarmingly higher rates disproportionate to other racial groups of the trans community.</p>
<p>The Free CeCe Support Committee established a web site and blog where supporters can stand in solidarity and become involved in various capacities. On the site you can learn more about the attack and receive updates on CeCe’s legal battle and road to justice. In the coming days, the hearing and trial will take place; and the movement for equality of trans people needs your help.</p>
<p>On April 24, 2012 supporters are encouraged to attend the hearing and evidentiary motions at the Hennepin County Government Center, 300 6th Street S, Minneapolis, Minnesota.</p>
<p>The hearing will begin at 9 am. CeCe’s trial is scheduled to follow on April 30 on the 13th floor of the Hennepin County Government Center.</p>
<p>You can also show your support for CeCe by signing the petition, which was organized by the Free CeCe Support Committee.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/free-cece-we-re-looking-at-you-michael-freeman-drop-the-charges-against-cece-mcdonald">Sign the petition</a> today in solidarity for CeCe McDonald and the LGBT community! You can also call, fax or email the attorney general, <a href="http://supportcece.wordpress.com/2012/04/03/today-callemailfax-the-hennco-attorney/">here</a>.</p>
<p>GLAAD urges the media to tell CeCe McDonald's story and the continued discrimination transgender people--particularly transgender women of color--continue to face when trying to participate fully in their communities.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">April 14, 2012</span></div></div></div>
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<div class="field-label">Issues:&nbsp;</div>
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<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/local-and-regional-news">Local and Regional News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/people-color">People of Color</a>, </li>
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<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/people-color">people of color</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/transgender-0">transgender</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/cece-mcdonald">CeCe McDonald</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/minnesota">Minnesota</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/laverne-cox">Laverne Cox</a>, </li>
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Fri, 13 Apr 2012 20:11:03 +0000marcusbrock49617 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/blog/petition-cece-mcdonalds-arrest#commentsThe GLAAD Daily: Obama Nominates Gay Justice, Anoka-Hennepin School District, and Two Anti-LGBT Attackshttp://www.glaad.org/2011/07/21/the-glaad-daily-obama-nominates-gay-justice-anoka-hennepin-school-district-and-two-anti-lgbt-attacks
<div class="field field-name-field-blog-featured field-type-file field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"></div></div><div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><p><a href="http://dyn.politico.com/printstory.cfm?uuid=EFCAC836-5996-49DB-8119-E3656326D159"><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-40616" title="r-MICHAEL-WALTER-FITZGERALD-OBAMA-GAY-JUDGE-large570" src="http://glaadblog.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/07/r-MICHAEL-WALTER-FITZGERALD-OBAMA-GAY-JUDGE-large570.jpg" alt="" width="238" height="238" />Politico reported that President Obama on Wednesday nominated Michael Fitzgerald</a>, a lawyer with Corbin, Fitzgerald and Athey in Los Angeles, to the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California. Fitzgerald is the fourth out judicial candidate the president has nominated. The president said, “I am honored to nominate Michael Walter Fitzgerald to the United States District Court. His impressive career stands as a testament to his formidable intellect and integrity. I am confident he will serve the people of California with distinction on the District Court bench.”</p>
<p><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2011/07/20/us/AP-US-Gay-Marriage-Opponents.html?sq=gay&amp;st=nyt&amp;scp=3&amp;pagewanted=print">The Associated Press examined anti-gay activists</a> who are planning on challenging the New York marriage law in various ways, including the Alliance Defense Fund, which claims the new law conflicts with New York's Human Rights Law and Domestic Relations Law, a law that protects workers from acting against their "sincerely held religious observance or practice." Also, <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2011/07/21/opinion/21bruni.html?pagewanted=print">Frank Bruni wrote in The New York Times</a> about Jonathan Mintz and John Feinblatt, the aides whose marriage will be officiated by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, and their daughters, Maeve and Georgia.</p>
<p>Also, <a href="http://www.playbill.com/playblog/2011/07/avenue-qs-same-sex-puppets-rod-and-ricky-will-tie-the-knot-engagement-photo-released-photo/">the producers of "Avenue Q" recently announced</a> that Rod and Ricky, the gay puppets from the musical, are engaged and will marry on July 24.</p>
<p>In the trial of Brandon McInerney, the California teen accused of killing classmate Lawrence King, <a href="http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-0721-gay-panic-20110721,0,7184852,print.story">Ventura County Senior Deputy Dist. Attorney. Maeve Fox this week said</a> she would invoke the Araujo law, which advocates for the rights of LGBT people when the case is sent to jury. Fox will do so in order to prevent the use of the so-called "gay panic" defense.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.towleroad.com/2011/07/anokasuit.html">NCLR, SPLC, and Faegre &amp; Benson today filed a suit on behalf of five students</a> in Minesota's Anoka-Hennepin School District challenging a policy that requires faculty to remain “neutral” on matters related to LGBT people. <a href="http://ac360.blogs.cnn.com/2011/07/21/video-school-districts-neutrality-policy-impacting-bullying/">CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 did a report on the district</a> on Wednesday, and guest host Sanjay Gupta interviewed Rosalind Wiseman and Focus on the Family's Candi Cushman.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/dc-cops-investigating-killing-of-transgender-person-police-say-motive-not-yet-determined/2011/07/20/gIQAjiL4PI_print.html">In Washington, D.C., police are investigating the fatal shooting of a transgender person</a> that occurred early Wednesday morning. Also on Wednesday, Asheville, N.C., <a href="http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20110721/NEWS/307210020/LGBT-activists-disturbed-by-attack?odyssey=mod%7Cnewswell%7Ctext%7CFrontpage%7Cs">police arrested a second person in the recent beating</a> of a man whose attackers were yelling anti-gay slurs. LGBT advocates in the city have criticized response from police, who reportedly did not file a report on the attack.</p>
<p>Teresa Heck, an Iowa prison guard, <a href="http://www.canadianbusiness.com/article/35083--iowa-prison-agency-reverses-on-same-sex-benefits">has been granted family leave by the Iowa Department of Corrections</a> so that she can care for her ailing wife. The department reversed a previous decision against Heck’s request for time off under the Family Medical Leave Act.</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-pubdate field-type-datetime field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="date-display-single">July 21, 2011</span></div></div></div>
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<li class="field-item even"><a href="/issues/local-and-regional-news">Local and Regional News</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/issues/news">News</a></li>
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<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/hate-crimes">hate crimes</a>, </li>
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<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/legal">Legal</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/national-center-lesbian-rights">National Center for Lesbian Rights</a>, </li>
<li class="field-item even"><a href="/tags/new-york-marriage">New York Marriage</a>, </li>
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<li class="field-item odd"><a href="/tags/transgender">: transgender</a></li>
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Wed, 14 Sep 2011 20:20:25 +0000brendan34140 at http://www.glaad.orghttp://www.glaad.org/2011/07/21/the-glaad-daily-obama-nominates-gay-justice-anoka-hennepin-school-district-and-two-anti-lgbt-attacks#comments